CONCACAF Champions League Battles begin today

Heated competition between MLS and LigaMX teams is upon us. USA vs Mexico. The alleged retirement league vs a Mexican league riddled with mediocre South Americans. Most likely insults will be hurled on the field during this battle of pride. MLS has always fared poorly compared to their Mexican counterparts. Could this year be different?

Mexican-American, Hercules Gomez thinks that MLS can do it. Herc, of course, played in Mexico and beat MLS teams in this very tournament. He even got into heated smak talk and rough play with his American opponents. Now he is in MLS himself, although not in this years tournament. He is quoted as saying, “I hope they(MLS) smash them all” on the mlssoccer.com website. The MLS teams will certainly get their chance.

America vs Seattle Sounders

The Aguilas have been playing decent in LigaMX, but not necessarily lighting it up. They are still a very talented team and could end up causing big problems for Seattle. They may be without Dario Benedetto, one of their offensive players, as well as their starting goalkeeper, Moises Muñoz.

Seattle will have the services on new superstar Jordan Morris, who didn’t believe the “yo estoy en Europa y tu no” hype and signed with the MLS team. Dempsey is another player who could be a difference maker.

Queretaro vs DC United

Queretaro hasn’t been great of late. Look out for their goalkeeper, Tiago Volpi, who has been playing especially bad. On the bright side they do have newcomer, Carlos Fierro, who has been scoring goals since coming from Chivas. Emmanuel Vill will also have to step up.

DC United has always been a CCL contender. They have challenged many Mexican teams in the past, including Pumas and have even won the tournament once before in 1998.

Excuses

The reasoning for the results, be it bad or good, in this tournament is always interesting. For MLS, they are still in preseason form. Herc mentioned that injuries play a part in past MLS failures. Mexican altitude as well has been stated.

For LigaMX teams, Soccer is their sport, the US/MLS has baseball, pointy ball and basketball. There is no reason they should lose to MLS teams. LigaMX teams also have local Clausura tournament to think about. Do they have the roster to double up tournaments? Another reason LigaMX has the upper hand on MLS was mentioned in the same article by Hercules Gomez. LigaMX teams have more depth and talent. Herc says players 1-10 on MLS teams can play against any team in the world, but after that the talent level drops.

Tune in tonight for the start of some potentially entertaining and fiery Soccer.